Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination
    J Hepatol. 2007 Jun;46(6):1133-42. Epub 2007 Mar 26.

    Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a "growing" problem?

    Source

    Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. eve.roberts@sickkids.ca

    Abstract

    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can affect both adults and children. With the current worldwide epidemic of pediatric obesity, pediatric NAFLD is increasingly being diagnosed. It is not exactly identical to NAFLD in adults, and these differences may be due in part to the occurrence of hepatic metabolic derangements typical of NAFLD during periods of active growth (infancy, mid-childhood and puberty). The natural history of pediatric NAFLD is not yet known; however, children with pediatric NAFLD can develop cirrhosis. Although details of disease mechanism in pediatric NAFLD remain unclear, hyperinsulinemia with insulin resistance appears to be critical. Determining the pathogenesis of pediatric NAFLD is likely to enhance our understanding of NAFLD in all age groups and may identify new treatment opportunities. Finding effective ways to prevent pediatric NAFLD is an important issue for children's health.

    PMID:
    17445934
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

      Supplemental Content

      Icon for Elsevier Science

      Save items

      loading

      Recent activity

      Your browsing activity is empty.

      Activity recording is turned off.

      Turn recording back on

      See more...
      Write to the Help Desk